Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1887-12-16
TIE KINGS REBUKE.
4 story Of Frederick the Grco, aud Dis
Obedicmt Officer.

n
ohedicm Officer.
The days Of the historical "Long
Bridge leading from Berlin to Pots
dam, are numbered "a bridge which
played an important part in the career
of Frederick the Great. In the days
of that King, says a Paris corresponds
ent of the New York Tribune all
travellers between the two cities were
compelled to pass over this bridge, and
few escaped the monarch's notice while
sitting in the study Of his ncighboring
palace. Here he was accustomed to
keep strict account Of his officers who
tried to escape their duty now and
then by a jaunt in the neighboring cap
ital. But he, of course, did not wish
to be observed, SO he placed mirror
i'll the room, which accurately reflected
what occurred upon the bridge. One
day, in the evening of which mas
querade was to take place in Berlin, he
sat as usual at his desk. when, glancing
in the mirror, he saw a cavalry cap
tain i'll the act of crossing. He con-
cluded at once that the object of his
ride was the masked ball which his
aiesty also intended to visit, but had
forbidden his officers. a few hours
later he also started for Berlin and
appeared i'll the Opera House at the
proper time. His sharp eye soon rec
ognized the sinner in the mask of
noble Venetian, and he followed h N,
step by step, until he was thoroughly
convinced that he had made no mis-
take. Stepping in front of the cul
prit, and gazing at him with a trans
fixing glance, he Numbered:
Mask, 1 know you'll"
The officer who recognized the tones
OF the King, was frightened for mo-
ment. He knew that heavy punish
ment, possibly dismissal, would be
melted out to him. But he collected
himself and replied:
Mask, do not know you"
"Mask, you are cavalry Capt. J"
With a resolution of despair the Off
Ger answered:
Eyes, but am here without leave
OF absence. He is scoundrel who be-
trays me-"
The King bit his lip. The answer
was unexpectedly collected and impu-
dent. But presently he said;
Upon my word it remains secret. {"
The officer left the masquerade, hur-
ried to his hotel, sprung upon his
horse, and galloped back to Potsdam.
On the following morning at s o'clock,
he appeared punctually for duty in the
Lustgarten, whittier his regiment had
been commanded. The King soon be-
gan the review, staring sternly at the
Captain as he passed down the file,
but saying nothing, all being in excel
lent order Suddenly he halted at the
center. Cavalry Capt i" re-
sounded his stentorian tone The Off
Ger, now certain of dismissal or long ar
rest, rode forward in strictest military
fashion, saluting the King as he
thought, for the last time Nearer"
commanded his majesty, as the Cap
tlin stopped at the customary dis
lance, He obeyed.
Mask. YOU are a Major; but he is a
scoundrel who betrays it.
Upon my word, your majesty, it re-
mains our secret" answered the Off
Ger, relieved now OF his heavy heart
A year went by and the promotion
remained an unrevealed secret, the
Captain doing his duty as hitherto. On
the anniversary of the event, when
again presenting his regiment to the
King in the Lustgarten, the following
parole order was read: Cavalry
Capt. - is promoted to rank of
Major, his patent dating from year
ago to-day, and has four weeks leave
Of absence for the carnival in Berlin. I"